“In a twist, the NBA may look to split up the NBA Finals between the two media companies, so that the championship round games would air on channels belonging to both, the people familiar with the matter said. That could take various forms: The networks could alternate Finals coverage each year, or carve up the Finals—played as the best-of-seven—in a given year.”

The whole league is looking toward the end of the NBA’s TV contract with ESPN and Turner Sports and the potential financial windfall the league could make. Contracts are being signed with an eye toward the potential increase in the salary cap. And the NBA is salivating at it too.

There are already rumors the league is looking to split the NBA Finals or pit Turner’s apparent interest in getting at least part of the Finals from ABC/ESPN to increase the price during the exclusive negotiating window. Then there are FOX and NBC’s reported interest in getting national NBA broadcasts.